nd gliding across the room. "We'll get the tea. There is one matter. I
want to pay you for your splendid services."

"Ah!" exclaimed Drew. "Ah, Miss Stockbridge, they were far from being
splendid. I lost my reputation in the first instance. I should never
have allowed your father to remain alone in the library. That was very
short-sighted on my part."

"You couldn't think of everything."

"I underestimated the gravity of the situation."

"Perhaps father didn't explain how dangerous his enemies really were."

"No, I don't think it was that, exactly. I had been reading so many
accounts of German spies that I connected this case with one of them. I
took precautions against anything that a German might think of. I
didn't figure on super-brains of the criminal order. Cuthbert Morphy
had them!"

The maid appeared with the tray and hot water. Drew took the cup from
Loris with a bow. He allowed the tea to cool as he glanced at the two
lovers. They had grown closer together over the time of the
investigation. Nichols had that poise which is given to well-trained
army men. He never said too much. This was a trait which pleased the
detective immensely. It spoke volumes for Loris and her judgment in
placing her trust in him.

"I actually hate to leave you people," Drew said, finishing the cup.
"But I must be on my way."

Loris arched her dark brows. Her mouth parted into a soft smile. Her
eyes glistened with moisture. "Harry is going, too," she said, glancing
from Drew to Nichols. "He has to go! I'll sleep upstairs in mother's
old room to-night. The maid can watch. Perhaps the butler will be
back."

"He'll be back!" ejaculated the detective, adjusting his coat collar
and stroking his mustache. "I'll see to that if I have to go over
Fosdick's thick head. You can expect all of your servants within an
hour."

Heavy footfalls on the rugs outside the suite announced Delaney. He
came through the portieres rubbing his hands in the manner of a man who
was well-satisfied with his errand.

"I got them!" he boomed, glancing from Drew to Nichols and then letting
his eyes shine on Loris. "I got Fosdick, first. I told him what I
thought of him, too. I don't like him. Never did! He said he'd be right
up and see about things. He can see!" The big operative swung toward
his chief.

"How about the coroner?" asked Drew.

"He's coming as fast as his hurry-up wagon will let him. I told him
there was another--well, you know what I told